Page 3 of The Norcross Rescue

She whistled.

“They manage venture capital, private equity, real estate, and philanthropy for their clients, and with the advances in AI, security—both cyber and physical—is becoming a bigger issue. They need to ensure the security of their financial transactions and keep their clients’ data safe.”

Hmm, it wouldn’t be a good look to have thieves hack the system and steal their clients’ data and money. She knew Vander and his top tech guru, Ace, had been pouring a lot of money into beefing up the cyber side of Norcross Security.

“Haldon just moved into this building,” he added. “They needed more space to expand their headquarters. They have several floors, and are still renovating some of them.”

“Sounds fancy.”

The elevator slowed.

He turned his head and arched a brow. “We can still go home.”

She leaned into him, feeling his strength and warmth. “We’re here now. A few drinks and nibbles, we’ll meet the boss, then head home.”

He raised a dark brow. “Those heels are hurting already, aren’t they?”

“No comment.” The elevator stopped and the doors opened. Brynn hitched her glittery, black handbag on her shoulder.

The party was already in full swing.

They walked into a huge, open atrium. During office hours, she imagined the space was filled with couches and tables, to sit and collaborate. A sleek reception desk sat off to one side. The double-height, curved windows gave an exceptional view of the city’s skyscrapers and the Bay, with the Golden Gate Bridge just visible. The floor was a pale wood in a herringbone pattern, and modern lights in the shape of circles hung from the ceiling.

Clearly, Haldon had spared no expense for their new offices.

A huge potted tree near the windows added a pop of striking green, and a string quartet set up in one corner was playing elegant music. In the crowd, Brynn noted several of San Francisco’s wealthiest residents, a few local politicians, a local news anchor, and a famous filmmaker. The men were in tuxedos and the women in glittering designer dresses.

“Drinks first,” her husband murmured.

He led them to the long bar set up to one side, and got her a soda with a dash of lime, and a bourbon for himself. They hadn’t gone far when they were accosted.

“Norcross, good to see you.” An older man in a tux held out a hand.

Her tough husband didn’t show it, but she knew he was already counting down the minutes until they could leave.

They mingled, and Brynn took full advantage of the delicious food being passed around by the white-uniformed servers. She felt like she’d been constantly hungry for eight months. She was sure this baby was going to be a food connoisseur. She touched her stomach, and that flicker of excitement, mixed with love, hit her. She couldn’t believe how much she already loved this little button. She was excited to see the child she and Vander had made together.

“Vander, I’m so glad you could make it.”

Brynn looked up at the woman approaching. She was tall and slim, with large, dark-framed glasses, and wearing a fabulous column of green silk. Her brown hair was artfully streaked with gray, and Brynn guessed the woman was in her early fifties.

“Carolyn, thanks for the invite.” Vander shook the woman’s hand. “Carolyn, this is my wife, Detective Brynn Norcross. Brynn, Carolyn Stewart. CEO of Haldon Capital.”

The older woman smiled. “Brynn, a pleasure.”

Brynn shook the woman’s hand and instantly liked her easy smile and intelligent eyes. “It’s lovely to meet you. Great party.”

“It’s the highlight of the company calendar. My employees work hard, so I like to reward them with a fabulous party and a healthy end-of-year bonus.” Carolyn’s gaze dropped to Brynn’s mid-section. “I’m guessing there won’t be too many parties for you in the near future. When are you due?”

“Just over three weeks,” Brynn answered. “I’m definitely ready.”

Carolyn smiled. “Congratulations. We have two, all grown up now.” She looked around. “My husband is here somewhere. I’ll introduce you later.” She turned toward Vander, her gaze turning shrewd. “I hope we can have our business settled before your baby arrives, Vander. Haldon would love to have Norcross Security onboard to ensure we stay safe.”

Vander inclined his head. “My team has been going over your proposal. We’ll schedule a meeting this week.”

“Excellent.” Carolyn waved a hand. “Now, go and enjoy yourselves.”

With a hand to Brynn’s lower back, Vander led her away. They wandered a little more.